Establishing causes of school dropout within an era of dropout preventative measures: a study of a rural primary school in Moyo district-Uganda

Education is a human right that empowers individuals and the society to improve on their livelihood as well as participate in nation building. Uganda was the first Sub-Saharan African country to implement Universal Education (UPE) in 1997 with the intention of providing basic education for all children of school going age. However, research reports indicate Uganda is among the countries with the highest school dropout out rates in primary school. Yet, there are many school dropout preventative interventions in place to strengthen UPE and mitigate the challenges that cause children to leave without completing their basic education. This study sought to establish the causes of school dropout in a rural primary school within the era of dropout preventative interventions in Moyo district- Uganda. A case study of a rural primary school was conducted using mixed concurrent method. Data was collected using one to one interview and focus group discussions and document analysis. The study involved one head teacher, one Senior Woman Teacher, two parents, five school dropout and eight pupils of primary five and six. On the basis of in-depth research under taken and extensive literature review, the study found that school dropout originates from the family, community, the school and the child and it is caused by factors such as; low income or poverty, lack of community involvement, child labour, unemployment, corporal punishment in schools, lack of commitment, inadequate monitoring and evaluation, lack of motivation, low teachers‟ salary, governments‟ failure to provide all the necessities of the learners, peer influence, early marriage and pregnancy among others. The study makes recommendations for policy and practice as well as for further research